i think chris christie was trying to do his job. i also think that chris christie understands that he faces re-election in a pretty democratic state and obama understands that he faces re-election next week. those are political realities. they're politicians and they don't deny that. but they were doing their jobs, and i think christie's role here, as i'm sure you know as a former governor, it was a big deal for christie to come out and do what he did. that also really hurt romney. >> eliot: yes, that was the political maneuver of the week. he played it perfectly. switch gears for a moment. i don't want to say that anything is over and done, but the president is comfortable. the united states senate, a pivot or blocking position for the past couple of years. any particular race there that you think is interesting that has evolved that is demonstrative with what has happened in our politics over the last couple of months? >> i think there are several. the north dakota race there is a good chance. i think missouri, claire mccaskill ha